Abstract
This research aimed to identify and analyze intervention approaches to remediate Proximal and Distal Interphalangeal (PIP/DIP) joint capsule stiffness and was performed to inform practice of hand therapists in an outpatient occupational therapy (OT) clinic. The treatment protocols were analyzed according to practicality for the practice and overall efficacy. Ten databases were searched to collect appropriate data based on a specific predetermined list of search terms. Articles were examined against specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, and sixteen were eventually selected for analysis. Six different intervention strategies emerged from the research including occupation-based practice, electromagnetotherapy, technology-assisted therapy, orthoses, and preparatory methods/modalities. No evidence was found to support one specific intervention strongly over another, rather each had a set of circumstances such as the type of hand condition and/or diagnosis that would warrant the use of that protocol. This suggests that it is important for practitioners who treat PIP/DIP joint capsule stiffness to be aware that there are a multitude of different treatment options available. Selecting one to use with a client will require clinical consideration of their client factors, disease/diagnosis factors, as well as clinic factors such as resources or therapist qualifications.
Publication Place
Tacoma, Washington
Publisher
University of Puget Sound
Project Chairperson
Chih-Huang Yu, PhD, OTR/L
Publication Date
5-2019
Genre
Capstone Project
Format
Language
English
Copyright Information
Terms of Use for work posted in Sound Ideas: http://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/copyright.html
Degree Program
Occupational Therapy
Degree Level
Master of Science
Discipline
Occupational Therapy
School
University of Puget Sound
Recommended Citation
McNutt, Chloe OTS; Nguyen, Nicole OTS; and Caldwell, Ciara OTS, "PIP/DIP Joint Capsule Stiffness: Current Evidence For Effective Interventions" (2019). School of Occupational Master's Capstone Projects. 35.
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ot_capstone/35